Have you ever struggled to put your thoughts or feelings into words? Are you a creative person or a visual learner? Does working with your hands bring you a sense of calm? Do you find joy and fulfillment in active learning and curiosity? If any of these questions resonate with you, particularly in the context of your personal mental health journey, you might be interested in learning about art therapy.

‍

The Definition

What is it?
The field of art therapy, similar to counseling or talk therapy, consists of many different modalities, philosophies, and varying points of view. Generally speaking, it can be described as a therapeutic method of working with people to help them reach their mental health goals using the benefits of visual art and creativity. Art therapy can be applied to a wide variety of circumstances, in many different settings, and with any population of people. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, questioning your identity, or looking for help adjusting to life changes, there’s likely an art therapy intervention that would be helpful for you.

Who uses it?
Of course, creativity can be utilized by any type of counselor or therapist while working with a client, but the term “art therapy” refers to a very specific and intentional methodology. Art therapists go through unique training, in addition to the standard education for counselors and therapists, to learn how to employ a variety of art techniques, materials, and themes in efforts to resolve specific issues related to mental health.

What does it look like?
Due to its broad definition and various applications, art therapy can look different from situation to situation. One art therapist might use collaborative drawing directives to observe relationship dynamics between siblings in a family therapy setting, while another might create art alongside their client to help them feel more comfortable in the therapeutic space. The unifying aspect of this form of therapy, though, is that it uses creative processes and visual expression as tools for healing, self-discovery, and communication.

‍

The Benefits

So why art therapy and not just regular talk therapy?
While talk therapy is an excellent method of working toward mental wellness, there are some advantages to incorporating art that can improve the effectiveness of talk therapy:

• Nonverbal communication:
  This is particularly helpful if you’re neurodivergent or sometimes need help communicating complex emotions. By using visual imagery and metaphor through color, shape, and texture, you can convey a myriad of thoughts and feelings that an art therapist can interpret without judgement. Nonverbal communication is also a very accessible way for children and adolescents to connect with the world around them.
• Mindfulness:
  Drawing, painting, or sculpting can help to ease you into practicing mindfulness without the need to dive directly into meditation. An art therapist can provide accessible and non-intimidating art materials and prompts to facilitate a mindful session promoting anxiety reduction and routine development.
• Experimentation & play:
  Creativity is a natural conduit for curiosity, experimentation, and playful behavior. Where it might be intimidating to explore your emotions through conversation, doing so through a process like splatter painting or scribble drawing can bring levity and humor to the process. Not only that, but exploration and experimentation can be an excellent way to learn about our own identity and sense of self.

The Expectations

Now that you’ve got a picture in your head for what art therapy is, who’s involved, and what it typically looks like, we can go over what you can expect when participating in this method of therapy (and what may be expected from you).

• Go into it with an open mind:
  Every art therapist has a unique method for using art during sessions. Some of their prompts might feel silly at first, but try to stick it out - I promise it’s worth it!
• Things might get messy:
  You might be like me and enjoy the chaos of creativity, but if you don’t, make sure you’re prepared for the possibility of paint on your hands or clay under your fingernails. 
• There may not be art making in every session:
  Since art therapists are also trained as counselors or social workers, they’ll be able to spot when art making is appropriate or when another modality may be more effective. They may even suggest viewing art as a therapeutic tool rather than creating it.
• Yes, you can participate in virtual art therapy:
  As strange as it may seem, it’s totally possible to have art therapy sessions over telehealth! An art therapist can suggest an ideal list of supplies for you, but is also typically trained to help you use what you already have on hand.
• No talent required:
  You do not - I repeat, do not - need to be an artist in any way, shape, or form to benefit from art therapy. Your art therapist will teach you how to use unfamiliar materials when needed, and is not there to judge or critique your skill.

‍

The Conclusion

If you feel that talk therapy hasn’t been helping you in the way you need, and some of the above information resonates with you, art therapy may be worth trying out. Feel free to reach out to the Sage Therapy Intake Team to schedule an appointment, and we can explore how art therapy can benefit you.

If you’d like to learn more about art therapy, check out the American Art Therapy Association where you can find in-depth information and resources.

‍